On the studio programme for this Extended degree, you’ll begin by undertaking a broad range of short and intensive studio projects in visual imagery and practical making. These will help you to develop skills and techniques that are common across all of our extended degrees and introduce a work ethic, experimentation and open mindedness. These are followed by open-ended, interpretive and longer projects that aim to establish a personal perspective and sense of direction.
Towards the end of the course major, subject specific projects reinforce independence as well as personal commitment, they allow for the development of self-motivated, innovative enquiry based project work within the broad area of art and design.
In addition there are lectures and seminars which frame creative practice within historical, contemporary, conceptual and cultural contexts. The course ends with the organisation and presentation of a substantial body of work in the form of a portfolio and public exhibition.
You’ll begin by undertaking a broad range of short studio and workshop projects in visual imagery and practical making. These will help you develop skills and techniques that are common across all our extended degree courses and are followed by short projects that focus more specifically on film, photography and media. During these subject-specific projects you’ll have the opportunity to explore sound and image recording and editing; factual, fiction and documentary material; internal and external environments; storyboard, treatments and scripts; collage, montage, animation and stop frame; focus; and close and wide framing.
All our extended degree programmes allow you to develop techniques in observational, technical and creative drawing; 2D and 3D composition; framing; sequence/series and narrative, as well as studio and workshop skills. You’ll also attend lectures and seminars, which will frame creative practice within historical, contemporary, conceptual and cultural contexts.
You’ll present work-in-progress and finished projects to peers and tutors on a regular basis, preparing you for the public exhibition at the end of year. This will help you to explore your abilities and guide you towards establishing an individual focus and direction.
By the end of your foundation year you’ll have produced a substantial portfolio of work that will allow you to progress on to one of our film, photography or media undergraduate degree courses. You’ll also have developed as a confident, creative and socially-engaged practitioner with the ability to make more informed decisions about your own work within the context of the creative field you go on to study.
Assessment
You are assessed through project work, presentation, essays and your individual portfolio.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
- Critical & Contextual Studies: Foundation (core, 30 credits)
- Formats (core, 30 credits)
- Project (core, 30 credits)
- Techniques (core, 30 credits)
What our students say
„The teachers are specialists in what they teach so it has been great learning from such experts.”
„Studio culture has transformed the experience for me, I really appreciate the chance to explore what my practice may be when I graduate. Teaching staff have been excellent, giving me just enough freedom to explore, but not get too lost! Excellent facilities. Excellent technicians.”
„Encouraged creativity and confidence, I am much better at communicating as a result and feel more ready to launch into a professional environment. Great access to tutors who are as helpful as possible, and give good feedback.”
After the course
The course is suitable for anyone planning a career in art and design and the cultural and creative industries. Please see the career opportunities under the various relevant undergraduate degree courses to which you can progress.
The opportunities for careers are extensive – one out of every 12 jobs in the UK is in the creative sectors, with employment growing faster here than in the rest of the economy.
What is an extended degree?
Extended degrees provide applicants with an alternative route into higher education. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree, or if you want to improve your portfolio and make a more informed choice of progression, an extended degree might be right for you. Extended degrees include a Year 0, also known as a foundation year. Once you successfully complete your first year of study you can progress to year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
